Applying for an R, T or W endorsement for special-type vehicles

If you drive a special-type vehicle on the road, you must have an endorsement on your licence

R endorsement for vehicles on rollers.

T endorsement for vehicles on self-laying tracks.

W endorsement for special-type vehicles on wheels like those used in mining or roadworks, that are not forklifts, passenger vehicles, tractors, fire engines, trade vehicles or vehicle recovery service vehicles.

You need a forklift (F) endorsement if you drive a forklift on the road.

If you’re not sure if you need an F, R, T or W endorsement, please call us on 0800 822 422.

You need to do a course

Note: the approved course will cover and basic handling skills only. You’ll still need to complete courses covering health and safety requirements and the skills required for particular work environments.

Note: your endorsement will expire on the same date as your driver licence.

What’s the definition of a road?

The definition of a road, for the application of transport laws, is very broad. It includes not only streets and highways, but also any place the public has access to (by right or not) including bridges, culverts, beaches, riverbeds, reserve lands, wharves and road shoulders. A property without a gate may also fit this definition.

If you drive a vehicle in any of these areas, the rules relating to registration, licensing and general driver behaviour all apply.

Vehicle weight covered by licence class

In addition to the appropriate special-type vehicle endorsement, you must hold the appropriate full class of licence of the for the vehicle you want to operate. The class of licence depends on the type of vehicle, it’s weight and how fast you’re driving (see table below).

Vehicle type

Weight and/or speed

Minimum licence class required

Endorsement required

Vehicle with tracks

18,000kg or less

1F

T

More than 18,000kg

2F

T

Vehicle that runs on rollers

18,000kg or less

1F

R

More than 18,000kg

2F

R

Special-type vehicle that runs on wheels

6000kg or less

1F

W

Between 6000kg and 18,000kg and 30km/h max speed

1F

W

Between 6000kg and 18,000kg driven above 30km/h

2F

W

More than 18,000kg and 30km/h max speed

2F

W

More than 18,000kg driven above 30km/h

4F

W

Special-type agricultural motor vehicle which runs on wheels

6000kg or less

1F

W

Between 6000kg and 18,000kg and max speed 40km/h

1F or 2F*

W -

More than 18,000kg

4F

W

Agricultural tractor (not a special-type vehicle)

Between 6000kg and 18,000kg and max speed 40km/h

1R/1F

-

Between 6000kg and 18,000kg and driven above 40km/h

1F

F, R, T, or W

More than 18,000kg

4F

-

Agricultural tractor (not a special-type vehicle) with an agricultural trailer